In the second edition of Meet the Judges, we are delighted to introduce three more esteemed judges for the inaugural DfT Special Recognition Apprentice Awards. These prestigious awards celebrate exceptional talent and growth within the highways and transport technology sector, honouring the outstanding contributions of young professionals in the early stages of their careers.
Meet Our Judges:
Joining our previously announced judges, Dr. Joanna White, Roads Development Director, National Highways, Paul Hutton, Founder/Owner, PH Initiatives, and Dwayne Lowe, Assistant Director – Highways and Planning, Bolton Council are:
Darren Capes
Intelligent Transport Systems Policy Lead, Department for Transport
We are delighted to welcome Darren Capes to the judging panel. As Intelligent Transport Systems Policy Lead at the Department for Transport, Darren focuses on the adoption of emerging vehicle, infrastructure and data technologies by the UK’s highway authorities.
A qualified civil engineer, his current role involves leading ITS policy and supporting local authorities in engaging with the Future of Transport agenda and ensuring the UK’s road authorities are prepared for the challenges to come.
As a Fellow of both the IHE and IET, Darren manages the UK’s Transport Technology Forum on behalf of the DfT and is a member of the ITS World Congress Programme Committee. In addition to sitting on the Board of LCRIG, Darren is Senior Vice President of the IHE, Chair of the IET’s National Transport Policy Panel and a board member of ITS (UK).
Keely Metcalfe
Relationship Manager, LCRIG
Keely Metcalfe brings her passion for skills development to the judging panel. Over the past year, Keely has facilitated apprenticeship opportunities through her involvement in the Highways Maintenance Academy, in collaboration with Salford City College. This incredible initiative has successfully created 30 apprenticeship opportunities across Salford and the Northwest region.
More recently as Chair of LCRIG’s newly formed Apprenticeships Task Group, Keely is bringing together other young professionals from the sector. This task group will be a collaborative and engaging space where like-minded apprentices come together to share insights, exchange ideas, complete task and finish projects and explore ways to help support and provide development opportunities for apprentices working in the sector.
Kerry Winstanley
Finance and Operations Director, LCRIG
The final judge on our panel, Kerry Winstanley, LCRIG’s Finance and Operations Director, is passionate about tackling the skills shortage in the highways and transport technology sector.
A Chartered Global Management Accountant, Kerry brings 12 years of industry experience, following an 11-year career in the manufacturing sector with both global and national organisations. At LCRIG, she leads business operations, driving growth and turning strategic aspirations into reality, while ensuring we continue our community interest initiatives to support the sector.
Kerry played a key role in establishing the Highway Maintenance Academy in collaboration with Salford City College and Salford Council, strengthening industry partnerships and contributing to the growth of a skilled and knowledgeable workforce in the sector.
Thank you to our Judges
We would like to thank our panel of judges for their commitment and expertise in evaluating the award entries.
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Enter or Nominate a Deserving Apprentice!
New for 2025, the DfT Special Recognition Apprentice Awards form part of the Innovation and Learning Festival. Let’s celebrate the achievements of apprentices and shine a spotlight on the incredible talent and growth driving the future of our sector.
Submit your entries by Monday, 31st March 2025, at 17:00.
Find out more and enter the awards here.